Overview 2021
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This course explores important steps in the financial planning process such as gathering qualitative and quantitative data, identifying goals, and recognising financial problems. Key assessments will test your ability to apply financial planning theory to develop strategies and address financial challenges. You will also develop a range of skills and knowledge associated with providing compliant financial advice to clients across different types of financial products.
The Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) has announced mandatory educational requirements and professional standards for the financial advice sector. The University of Tasmania is an approved FASEA Higher Education Provider, which means the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning meets these standards. This includes the FASEA bridging course Ethics for Professional Advisers, which is the minimum requirement for existing advisers.
This is an 8 unit (100 credit point) 1-3 year course of study and is available in both on campus and off campus modes. All units are subject to formal assessment including the completion of continuous assessment such as assignments, and a final examination.
Are you interested in studying the Ethics and Professionalism bridging course or another single unit?
Those who do not wish to complete a Graduate Diploma, but are interested in studying a single unit, you can apply for non-award study.
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to provide a sound understanding of the process of financial planning, together with some of the fundamental skills and knowledge that are required. In line with these objectives, each of the recognised steps in the financial planning process that have been developed by financial planners will be examined in detail, namely: gathering qualitative and quantitative data; identifying goals; identifying financial problems including: setting priorities, deciding on trade offs and considering opportunity costs; preparing or interpreting written recommendations; implementing agreed-upon plans; and, reviewing, revising and maintaining personal financial plans.
The `key areas' that are important for the financial planning process are examined, namely: the regulatory framework; investments; managed funds; superannuation; home ownership; risk management and insurance; taxation; consumer credit; social security; estate planning. The role of institutional culture and organisational systems impacting on ethical practice and the need and opportunity to professionalise financial advice will be examined. Learning and teaching in this program focus on the key areas of financial planning theory, process, strategies and practice.
The program takes a structured, scaffolded approach to its curriculum, where knowledge, skills and graduate attributes are built over time through an integrated and complementary set of financial planning units. The program is based around a dynamic, real world learning approach to student centred education, where students take responsibility for their own learning. Blended learning, as the central teaching and learning philosophy, forms the basis of the learning experience, where the class – whether online or face to face – is a space for in-depth, theory-practice discussion with peers, academic staff and financial planning professionals. The program is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills to apply financial planning philosophy and theory to analyse, evaluate and develop solutions and strategies to financial planning problems through authentic, problem-based learning.
Graduates will have the capacity to reflect on experiences, and interpret complex information and practices through research and inquiry. Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used are subject to regulatory requirements.
Career outcomes
Course structure
Entry requirements
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries